WASHINGTON CROSSING ADVISORS

THE WEEK AHEAD

Data points to above trend growth, below trend inflation, and no Fed action on rates. MACROECONOMIC INSIGHT

Global and domestic growth continues to run above our long-run forecasts. A wide range of data suggests the global economy is performing well. For example, last week the European Central Bank raised their 2017 Euro-area growth forecast to 2.2%, the fastest pace since 2007. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s “GDP Now” model is tracking third quarter domestic growth near 3%. Japan is even growing at a healthy 2.5% pace, and China just reported a 7% rise in imports suggesting strong internal demand. In short, the global economy is performing a bit better than the 2.8% domestic and 3% for global growth rates we originally expected at the start of the year.

Despite the better performance, there remains an absence of inflation pressure (U.S. core inflation up just 1.4% year-over-year), giving central banks room to run accommodative policies longer. Tighter labor markets are not yet delivering the cost-push inflation that the Philips curve might otherwise suggest, and some at the Federal Reserve are beginning to question the efficacy of the model itself in foreshadowing inflation (see last week’s speech from Governor Lael Brainard). In our January 2017 Outlook, we claimed that it would be hard for the Fed to follow through on planned rate increases because of the slack created as the result of ongoing deleveraging. The impact this would be lower cash returns than the market had been pricing in. The fading of rate increases this year turned out to be consistent with this view and contributed to a flattening of the yield curve and weaker dollar.

The chart below shows the extent to which expectations for rate hikes have collapsed. The yield on two year U.S. Treasury bills versus the current policy rate (known as interest on excess reserves, or IOER) are nearly the same. This implies a negligible expectation for rate hikes over the next couple of years. Unless the economy unexpectedly stumbles, it seems to us more likely that the pendulum has swung the other way with the market now underestimating the likelihood of future tightening hikes, in our view.

 

As markets digest the impact of recent hurricanes in the United States, and with some temporary agreement on the debt ceiling, investors may remain focused on the underlying good news. We see the “bull case” resting on three pillars: 1) above trend growth expectations; 2) expectations for dovish central bank action; and 3) prospects for higher earnings. Risk premiums appear fairly low in equity and credit markets, suggesting that disappointment in any one of these areas may boost volatility. This, coupled with our take on fundamental conditions, leads us to adopt more of a risk-neutral posture than we had earlier this year.

We also note that recent trends in the dollar could change now that markets have adjusted to a lower-for-longer rate expectation. While we remain overweight developed markets (which have benefited from the weaker dollar), we could envision a fading of downward pressure on the dollar from here. In this case, expected excess returns for foreign markets would be relatively less attractive versus domestic equities.

ECONOMIC DATA THIS WEEK

Date Report Period Survey Prior
Monday, Sep 11: No Economic Data
Tuesday, Sep 12: JOLTS July 5.95M 6.16M
Wednesday, Sep 13: PPI Final Demand M/M Aug 0.3% -0.1%
PPI Ex Food and Energy M/M Aug 0.2% -0.1%
PPI Ex Food, Energy, Trade M/M Aug — 0.0%
PPI Final Demand Y/Y Aug 2.5% 1.9%
PPI Ex Food and Energy Y/Y Aug 2.1% 1.8%
PPI Ex Food, Energy, Trade Y/Y Aug — 1.9%
Monthly Treasury Budget Aug -$124B -$42.9B
Thursday, Sep 14: Weekly Jobless Claims Sep 9 300K 298K
CPI M/M Aug 0.3% 0.1%
CPI Ex Food and Energy M/M Aug 0.2% 0.1%
CPI Y/Y Aug 1.8% 1.7%
CPI Ex Food and Energy Y/Y Aug 1.6% 1.7%
Friday, Sep 15: Retail Sales M/M Aug 0.1% 0.6%
Retail Sales Ex Auto M/M Aug 0.5% 0.5%
Retail Sales Ex Auto and Gas M/M Aug 0.3% 0.5%
Industrial Production M/M Aug 0.1% 0.2%
Capacity Utilization Aug 76.8% 76.7%
Empire State Manufacturing Survey Sep 18.0 25.2
Business Inventories July 0.2% 0.5%
Consumer Sentiment Sep 95.2 96.8
Source: Bloomberg

ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO POSTURE

Based on shorter-term expectations, the “tactical” allocation within portfolios is equally weighted between bonds and stocks.

Client approved reports and commentaries click here

Kevin Caron, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager Chad Morganlander, Senior Portfolio Manager Matthew Battipaglia, Portfolio Manager

Suzanne Ashley, Analyst

(973) 549-4052 www.washingtoncrossingadvisors.com www.stifel.com

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Disclosures

WCA Fundamental Conditions Barometer Description: We regularly assess changes in fundamental conditions to help guide near-term asset allocation decisions. The analysis incorporates approximately 30 forward-looking indicators in categories ranging from Credit and Capital Markets to U.S. Economic Conditions and Foreign Conditions. From each category of data, we create three diffusion-style sub-indices that measure the trends in the underlying data. Sustained improvement that is spread across a wide variety of observations will produce index readings above 50 (potentially favoring stocks), while readings below 50 would indicate potential deterioration (potentially favoring bonds). The WCA Fundamental Conditions Index combines the three underlying categories into a single summary measure. This measure can be thought of as a “barometer” for changes in fundamental conditions.

The information contained herein has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed by us and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data, nor is it considered an offer to buy or sell any securities referred to herein. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and do not take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of individual investors. There is no guarantee that the figures or opinions forecasted in this report will be realized or achieved. Employees of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated or its affiliates may, at times, release written or oral commentary, technical analysis, or trading strategies that differ from the opinions expressed within. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged, and you cannot invest directly in an index.

Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit and may not protect against loss. There are special considerations associated with international investing, including the risk of currency fluctuations and political and economic events. Investing in emerging markets may involve greater risk and volatility than investing in more developed countries. Due to their narrow focus, sector-based investments typically exhibit greater volatility. Small company stocks are typically more volatile and carry additional risks, since smaller companies generally are not as well established as larger companies. Property values can fall due to environmental, economic, or other reasons, and changes in interest rates can negatively impact the performance of real estate companies. When investing in bonds, it is important to note that as interest rates rise, bond prices will fall. High-yield bonds have greater credit risk than higher-quality bonds. The risk of loss in trading commodities and futures can be substantial. You should therefore carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. The high degree of leverage that is often obtainable in commodity trading can work against you as well as for you. The use of leverage can lead to large losses as well as gains.

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met. It is important to review your investment objectives, risk tolerance and liquidity needs before choosing an investment style or manager. Equity investments are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors to varying degrees. Fixed Income investments are subject to market, market liquidity, issuer, investment style, interest rate, credit quality, and call risks, among other factors to varying degrees.

This commentary often expresses opinions about the direction of market, investment sector and other trends. The opinions should not be considered predictions of future results. The information contained in this report is based on sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed and not necessarily complete.

Washington Crossing Advisors LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary and affiliated SEC Registered Investment Adviser of Stifel Financial Corp (NYSE: SF).